This year especially, we’ve seen the many ways that tech- nology is transforming construction– from the design and build process to how structures are operated and main- tained. COVID-19 accelerated the need for shared data and digital connectivity, both of which are foundational for the concept of “connected” construction that industry leaders have been pushing for years. The Value of Connected Projects: From Design and Build to Operate and Maintain By Marcel Broekmaat
If you’ve worked in the construction industry long enough, you know it’s natural for construction phases to remain insular. However, it’s important to break down communication barriers and encourage en- hanced project collaboration and information sharing. Being connected is the greatest defense against the prevailing inefficiencies that stem from data silos. Truly connected construction allows stakeholders across the entire design-build-operate-maintain (DBOM) continuum to “connect” the digital and physical worlds and collaborate by sharing information, which ultimately leads to improved productivity, quality, transparency, safety and sustainability. As early as the planning and informational gathering phase, we can begin to lay the foundation for a more efficient, collaborative and pro - ductive project. Here’s how: Planning For decades, this entire stage was handled manually. Today, owners and architects handling initial planning for construction projects are in an optimal position to collect and synthesize data effectively right from the start. Not only are they able to collect and organize information in one centralized location, they can lay a solid foundation on which the constructible models, which contain all the data needed to replace 2D drawings during production, will be built. Furthermore, data-rich records of previous projects can inform the planning stages of future projects so it’s no longer necessary to start from scratch each time. Conceptual Historically, architects developed their conceptual designs on paper. Theoretically, BIM solutions give architects the ability to become more closely integrated with the rest of the construction process than they
were in the past. Today, architects can utilize 3D modeling software to generate both 2D and 3D versions of their conceptual plans. Where possible, the model can be content-enabled, allowing the architect to reuse established components repeatedly for faster development. De- signs can be quickly and easily shared between the architect, owner and any other stakeholders because everyone can access the same centralized platform. And, once the concept is approved by the owner, it can serve as the launching point for structural engineering and detail- With all phases of the workflow connected via integrated hardware and software solutions, constructible models can be easily shared in both directions: from the detailer to the fabrication shop or jobsite to move ahead with fabrication or installation, or from detailer back to the engineers, estimators or architects for fast and efficient change orders, issue resolution or recommended improvements. ing from other trade partners. Engineering and Design Visually, a 3D model does a far better job of communicating building concepts than 2D drawings simply because it presents the information in the same way humans naturally see. For instance, by visualizing BIM data within a mixed reality platform like Microsoft’s HoloLens, 3D models can be overlaid directly on the completed work to compare as-built progress to as-designed constructible models throughout the build. Even more importantly, the ability to directly tie a virtually unlimited amount of information to every component of the 3D model both expands and simplifies its value, all of which can be passed along automatically if needed. With integrated software solutions designed to incorporate the same model into the tasks handled by fabricators, contractors, safety inspectors, and facility managers alike, the con-
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csengineermag.com
august 2020
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